HTC is working on a blockchain-powered smartphone for a decentralised future

HTC is working on a blockchain-powered smartphone for a decentralised future

HTC Exodus will feature a universal wallet and a built-in secure hardware to support cryptocurrencies and decentralised applications

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Shweta Ganjoo

New Delhi

May 16, 2018

UPDATED: May 16, 2018 12:37 IST

Image Courtesy: Reuters

While all other smartphone makers are focusing on better integrating artificial intelligence (AI) on their devices, HTC has its eyes set on a distant decentralised future. And so, the Taiwanese smartphone giant has announced that it is working on an Android smartphone called "Exodus" which will be powered by the blockchain technology.

HTC Exodus will feature a universal wallet and a built-in secure hardware to support cryptocurrencies and decentralised applications (DApps), which are software programs that run on a peer-to-peer network and are designed in such a way that they are not controlled by a single entity.

According to reports, HTC is planning to create a native blockchain network where Exodus will work as a nodal point to facilitate the trade of cryptocurrencies amongst its Exodus users. HTC has roped in the creator of its virtual reality headset Vive, Phil Chen, to lead all its initiatives related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. "Through Exodus, we are excited to be supporting underlying protocols such as Bitcoin, Lightning Networks, Ethereum, Dfinity, and more. We would like to support the entire blockchain ecosystem, and in the next few months we'll be announcing many more exciting partnerships together," Chen said in a statement on Exodus.

While HTC hasn't released any details about its upcoming smartphone yet, the company has shared the design of the upcoming blockchain-based smartphone on its landing page which states that with Exodus the Taiwanese tech giant aims to 'expand the blockchain ecosystem by creating world's first phone that is dedicated to DApps and security'.

Image Courtesy: HTC

It is interesting to note that while in the past many companies such has Sirin Labs with its smartphone Finney and Sugar with its S11 Creation Edition smartphone have launched phones that are powered by the blockchain technology, this is the first time that a major tech company has openly expressed its interest in the technology and announced the development of a device that runs on it.

As far as these smartphones are concerned, while Sirin Finney, which is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor and runs on Android 8.1 operating system, phone costs $999 (Rs 67,700 approx) and is up for pre-orders on website of Sirin Labs, Sugar S11 Creation Edition costs CNY 4,000 (Rs 42,600 approx) and the company said that it will be manufacturing only 10,000 units at first.

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